A CHURCH which is aiming to become a key resource for the local community has revealed plans for expansion.

St Matthew and St Luke’s Church, in Brinkburn Road, Darlington, has already started work on the ambitious plans, which would see the creation of an accessible kitchen area with cafe style seating, a new counselling room and accessible toilet, and the installation of a new audio and visual system.

Over the past two years, the church has been asking nearby residents and community groups for their views on the plans, and a survey carried out by the church received 132 responses.

The majority of people said they would like to see the church host activities for children and young people, while other suggestions included a cafe, more coffee mornings and a place to offer financial advice.

The church also held a cheese and wine evening to gather the views of the local community, which was attended by a number of community groups, as well as local councillors and police.

Speaking at the event, Clare Tuddenham, from the church’s communications group, said: “We knew some time ago we wanted to engage more with our community and make more use of this building.

“Many people thought the church was where you come for a service, and that is all you did in a church.

“But in medieval times they were used as a community space, so in a sense we are going back to how it used to be.”

The expansion is expected to cost about £100,000 and the church is looking for organisations who share the church’s values to help fund the building work.

Reverend Lissa Scott said: “We want to expand and be in use seven days a week, however at the moment we do not have the facilities for a 21st Century church.

“We want to be of use to organisations and we need people’s input to make this happen.”

The church will also be working alongside the nearby Willow Road Community Centre throughout the expansion.

For more information on the church visit stmatthewstlukes.org.uk